Synopsis
Describes the physical characteristics, habitat, and behavior of jaguars, large wild cats that live in Mexico, Central and South America.
Children's Literature
The jaguar lives in Mexico, Central and South America and it looks a lot like a leopard. Jaguars, like tigers, are good swimmers. Welsbacher compares this large cat to its domestic counterpart—both are have whiskers, sharp claws and good night vision but jaguars are not as graceful as most cats. Amazingly, a jaguar can pull dead animals that weigh more than it does, and they eat a variety of animals. It is the only cat that will take on a crocodile. At six weeks, jaguar cubs join their mother on hunts. This book is filled with engaging photographs appropriate to the text. At the end of the text, there is a glossary, a list of Internet sites that relate to the "Wild Cat" series of which this book is a part, and an index. 2000, ABDO, $19.93. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot